Labor, sectoral groups demand nationwide living wage

Philippine Canadian Inquirer
March 25, 2026

(Photo courtesy: Kilusang Mayo Uno/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — Labor and sectoral groups rallied in Mendiola, Manila on Wednesday, March 25, to demand a genuine living wage from the Marcos government as the country continues to suffer from the energy crisis, worsened by the US-Israeli war on Iran.

The groups collectively outlined their calls on the implementation of the PHP 1,200 nationwide living wage, the suspension of value-added tax (VAT), and the reduction of prices on oil and petroleum products.

“Sa harap ng pag-amin ng rehimeng US-Marcos ng kapalpakan nito kagabi sa pagdedeklara ng State of Emergency, iginiit ng mga manggagawa na hindi na dapat magpatumpik-tumpik pa! Kagyat dapat gawing nakabubuhay ang sahod sa buong bansa!” the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said.

“Tuluy-tuloy tayong maggiit at magprotesta para ipagtanggol ang ating kabuhayan!” it added.

A mass protest is also reportedly slated for this year’s upcoming Labor Day on May 1, 2026.